Peach3

https://www.instagram.com/p/CSH_Qe0IW1t/?utm_medium=copy_link Ballet Black pose a question/challenge. How can we make a change?

https://www.instagram.com/p/CSC2uyphziL/?utm_medium=copy_link

A good start would be allowing the young women to wear tights and shoes in their own skin tone.

Totally agree drdance.

I’ve got two at university and although they aren’t experiencing a normal start to the year neither is the rest of the country. If they came home they would be under exactly the same restrictions that they are currently under. Both of their unis explained how it was going to work before they went back. Both offered blended teaching ( online and in person when In small socially distanced groups). They can both book rooms/library space on their respective campuses, facilities they would not have if they were at home. There have been no surprises or big changes of rules since they went away. So if we could see what we were getting into why is a big shock to others? It’s not ideal but not unexpected. We decided in our house life goes on and we have to learn to live with the virus. This means taking all possible precautions and getting on with it. That is our choice and I would never judge the choices others make to keep themselves well physically and mentally. Sorry to go slightly off topic.

My hope is that more dancewear companies will think long and hard about recent events and it will change their thinking and all pointe shoes will be available in different skin tones in the not too distant future. We should all be checking our privilege and our unconscious bias and working out how we can make a difference as individuals. It is no longer ok for us to say we don’t think there is racism in the ballet world (because we haven’t experienced it) Our black dancers are telling us there is! Think on it. We can do better.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CBEU9w3gZql/?igshid=114t8s8ue5w6w This excellent list from Ballet Black again. This time aimed at ballet companies.

Bloch and Capezio both have tights and undies for different skin tones and for Bloch anyway some flat shoes available in different tones. Capezio probably do I just haven’t checked. I think it’s less of a problem getting hold of the items and more likely people just aren’t sure they are available and where/how they can get them (speak to your usual dance shop. If they can’t help, you need a new usual dance shop!). I think if teachers made parents and pupils aware that there are choices out there and they would be welcomed as uniform it would make a lot of people very happy. As far as I’m aware the only companies that offer pointe shoes in different skin tones are Gaynor Minden and Freed. Probably others do but I just haven’t looked very hard.

I think you are right BellaF about the issue of demand for different skin tone shoes/tights and it being feasible for companies to have big stocks or just to keep them as special order. Hopefully this will slowly change and it will become normal to get the colour you want as quickly as you can get ballet pink. Perhaps ballet schools/teachers could let their pupils know (if they are not actively doing so already) that there are choices out there and that it would be perfectly acceptable for BAME pupils/participants to wear uniform they felt matched their skin tone if they so choose (I’m looking at you vocational schools!).

Absolutely Motomum. I think I wrote the common sense line to try and soften the blow that a list like this even needs to be written but it so badly needs to be read and absorbed. Especially the bit about the tights and shoes in matching skin tones. This is something British vocational schools should have changed a long time ago. It is time!

Ballet Black have posted on their Facebook and instagram a helpful list for teachers/principals of dance schools. Definitely worth a read although a lot of it is common sense. https://www.instagram.com/p/CA-1ZW7A81I/?igshid=1h2d7qdjnr7so

If it’s physically achievable (and with proper training) why should the thrill of huge virtuoso jumps or teetering on you tip toes be limited by gender?

Well technically you could but the wooden sprung pieces are heavy so although I can push them around I wouldn’t want to be moving them too much. The floor isn’t actually attached to your own floor it sits on top. I think you can put it on any floor carpet, tiles, concrete etc it would be fine. We converted a room in our house into a studio and had it in there. The pieces lock together in a very sturdy way. I also have 3 mirrors that are mounted on the walls at the moment that I’m happy to throw in along with two pieces or wall mounted barre. The mirrors measure 6f by 4 f and the barres are 3m and 2m long and all have their screws etc to attach to the wall. Sorry Peanut68 I know you weren’t asking for all that info but meant to put it into the original post. To answer you question simply then yes you could take it up and put it down as you please but it’s sturdy and the two bigger pieces are 2m long so you’d need a big cupboard to store it in. On the plus side it’s wonderful to dance on. Just the right amount of bounce for ballet and also excellent for tapping and not slipping x

Hi I’m selling our Harlequin home studio floor on eBay. Just posting here in case anyone is interested. http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-53481-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=2&pub=5575378759&campid=5338273189&customid=&icep_item=323571370357&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229508&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg&toolid=11111

If your DD asks which exit is best for the National Theatre she should be directed out towards the BFI Imax. There is a subway under the IMAX roundabout and the exit for the National I think is sign posted. As she emerges from the subway with the National in front of her and the Southbank beyond the Rambert building will be just to her right. Can't miss it and should only take minutes. If all else fails just keep asking for the National. Rambert is directly across the road from the back of the theatre.